Jessa Dugger — was she one of the Duggar sisters who were molested by brother Josh? What about Jinger, Jill and Jana Duggar? All four of them fall within the age range that would make that possible. And according to reports, four of the five girls that Josh Duggar molested were his sisters.
And what might become of the Duggar sisters if their 19 Kids and Counting television show gets canceled? Is it fair that the actions of Josh Duggar in his youth may now put the fortunes and reputation of his family at risk?
These and many other questions are on the minds of both fans and haters of the 19 Kids and Counting show. There is a sense of fairness and justice that drives opinions on both sides of the conversation about the scandal surrounding the Duggar family the past few days.
Josh Duggar admitted in a statement that he had “acted inexcusably” when he was a 14-year-old. His parents and his wife all characterize his actions as a “mistake.” Conservative friends and fans of the Duggars and their 19 Kids and Counting show say that Josh was young, he has grown, and he should not be demonized for his actions as a minor.
CANCEL 19 KIDS AND COUNTING!!! How dare the Duggars protect a child molester!! @TLC
— The Gay Burn Book (@SouthernHomo) May 21, 2015
Others say that Josh himself as an individual is not the issue. It is that the Duggar family has and has used their position and celebrity to speak out about what things they disagree with morally. Michelle Duggar has characterized LGBT folks as “child predators.” Some feel that these people should not be put in a position where they are free to throw stones with as wide an audience as they have when they live in glass houses themselves.
The Duggars will demonize LGBT folk while passing off the incestual molestation their son was involved in as a "mistake". #JoshDuggar
— Sarah Johnson (@commonjohnson) May 22, 2015
So when news hit that TLC had pulled 19 Kids and Counting from its schedule, some claimed that was fair. But now TMZ reports that there is a possibility that the show can continue right on, but without Josh.
“Connected industry sources tell TMZ, TLC is considering a number of options, weighing the pros and cons. One is to cancel the show outright, the other is to just go full steam ahead, but there is real talk about continuing without Josh.”
“Our sources say there’s a strong sense axing Josh would not materially hurt the show. We’re told TLC has done research and it shows the daughters have become the driving force. The weddings of Jill and Jessa were ratings successes, as was the birth of Jill’s baby.”
If Jessa, Jinger, Jill, and Jana can continue on with the show without brother Josh, might that be a compromise that those calling for the shows cancellation can live with?
Hi @TLC just checking in to see if you've canceled the Duggars show yet
— Kate Spencer (@katespencer) May 22, 2015